UD Las Palmas achieved their first major triumph of 2024. The team from Gran Canaria won 3-0 against Villarreal on Saturday, marking the opening match of the second half of the calendar. The goals were scored by Tenerife natives Kirian Rodríguez (two) and Juanma Herzog.
Xavi García Pimienta faced serious setbacks in the defensive zone during the match. Two regular players in the starting lineup were absent from the squad. Saúl Coco is already with the Equatorial Guinea national team for the final stage of the Africa Cup. Additionally, Julián Araujo began his four-game suspension imposed by Competition and confirmed by Appeal on Saturday.
The coach of the yellow team arranged the defensive quartet with Alex Suárez and Sergi Cardona on the flanks, supporting a young central duo composed of Mika Mármol (22 years old) and Juanma Herzog (19 years old). Both were debutants in the First Division this season, with the Tenerife native making his debut against Villarreal in regular competition.
Las Palmas quickly made sense of their control of the game against an opponent that packed all its pieces in their own half, waiting for a counterattack. Kirian put the game in favor of the yellows in the 7th minute, scoring the 1-0. The Tenerife captain combined with Alberto Moleiro, finishing the play with a shot into the corner that Jorgensen couldn't deflect.
Villarreal also gradually abandoned their original idea. At times in the first half, they approached Valles' goal. Their best chance came in the 34th minute with Parejo's free-kick near the area, hitting the crossbar and returning to play.
Las Palmas had an advantage to protect but didn't create new opportunities before halftime to extend the lead provided by Kirian's early goal. The game was more balanced on the field than the score indicated.
However, the yellows sealed the deal in the second half with two goals that opened the gap to 3-0. Juanma Herzog headed in the second, converting a corner from Sandro on the right side.
The perfect score would take a few more minutes to arrive, with another goal from Kirian Rodríguez finishing a counterattack led by Javi Muñoz to the end line.
With such a significant lead, Las Palmas controlled the game until the end. They could have even scored a fourth in injury time, with a cross-shot from Marc Cardona narrowly missing the post.
The 24,485 spectators at the Gran Canaria stadium enjoyed their team's widest margin, continuing to advance toward their main goal of securing permanence.